The Indiana House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 1369, which would allow law-abiding Hoosier adults to carry a firearm without having to get a government-issued license.

Currently, Hoosiers must complete numerous steps within 180 days after first applying for a carry permit, including:

  • Completing a firearm license application online;
  • Scheduling an appointment to get their fingerprints taken; and
  • Completing local law enforcement agency processing.

It is only after these steps are taken that the Indiana State Police do a final review and either issue or deny a permit to the individual.

Under the bill, the process to legally purchase a handgun would not change. Individuals must still complete the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form. They also have to be approved by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to ensure that only eligible buyers will legally purchase handguns.

Reciprocity permits, including 5-year and lifetime permits, provide Hoosiers the ability to carry in 31 other states, and would still be available under this bill. Under the proposal, the lifetime license fee would drop from $125 to $75 and the 5-year permit would remain free.

Funds collected from Indiana’s handgun permits help support local law enforcement firearms training, ammunition, body armor and other expenses. However, any loss in department funding as a result of this bill would be restored through a new appropriation in the state budget. Departments would also continue collecting funds from reciprocity permits.

If passed, Indiana could become the 19th state to allow lawful carry.

House Bill 1369 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.